Police: False reports of 'shots fired' in Valley Cottage, investigated as 'swatting incident'
Officers say they will thoroughly investigate the origin of the call and hold any suspects accountable.
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Police responded to a report of shots fired on Tamar Drive in Valley Cottage Monday morning.
Upon investigation, it was determined this was a hoax swatting incident.
"It is a waste of everybody's time when there are real actual dangerous things happening," Valley Cottage resident Shiney tells News 12.
Swatting is when someone makes hoax calls to emergency services to falsely report a crime or emergency, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
"We just saw a lot of cop cars pulling up, it was concerning because they were blocking the road on both ends," says Valley Cottage resident Chris Pade.
At no time was there any danger to the public, according to police.
However, neighbors say they are upset to hear about this case of swatting.
"I've seen it on social media but never thought it would be happening around my neighborhood," says Claribel Sugay who lives in the area.
Officers say they will thoroughly investigate the origin of the call and hold any suspects accountable.
